Device and method for supporting wound drainage systems

ABSTRACT

A support and retention device for use in holding medical appliances, particularly wound drainage systems. The present invention comprises a soft, flexible material formed into a circle, spliced in a fashion that does not increase the diameter of the splice. An upper portion of the rope is placed around the wearer&#39;s neck, wherein a lower portion of the rope is gathered together to form a doubled length, and held together by a clasping means. A medical appliance may then be secured to the doubled length section of rope by a fastener, thereby securely supporting the medical appliance thereon.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to medical devices, and more specifically to an apparatus and method for retaining wound drainage systems. The present invention is particularly suitable for retaining or supporting wound drainage systems, such as, for exemplary purposes only, HEMOVAC® or JACKSON PRATT® drains, comfortably and securely on a person without exerting painful forces on the drainage outlet in the body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current medical practice commonly provides for drainage of surgical wounds, wherein the drainage may be assisted by providing a slight vacuum to a drainage tube inserted through an incision into the body. Typically, a drainage outlet tube is inserted into the incision, wherein the vacuum device is connected to the outlet tube via plastic tubing. Although the plastic tubing is flexible, it must be relatively rigid to avoid collapsing under the negative pressure provided by the vacuum device, and to avoid kinking as the patient moves. Additionally, the vacuum device may also be utilized for draining an internal cavity or organ of the body, such as draining the bladder through a drainage tube inserted through the lower abdomen and through the bladder wall.

Although effective in wound drainage, such devices present certain complications. Specifically, any significant forces exerted on the outlet tube extending from the wound, or through the skin, can cause considerable pain to the patient, wherein such forces may be attributed to abrupt movement of the plastic tubing and drainage connected thereto. However, even if the plastic tubing connected to the outlet tube is taped to the patient's body, conventional devices for supporting the tubing drainage container to the patient cause discomfort to the patient, as such devices typically have bumps, knots or protrusions therein that bear against the patient's body. Additionally, since the patient is generally encouraged to become mobile soon after surgery, the plastic tubing is often times subjected to forces that may cause painful movements of the outlet tube within the wound. Unfortunately, the pain encountered often discourages the patient from engaging in any desired movement.

Although various devices and methods are available for keeping objects close to a person while providing support therefor, such objects present obvious disadvantages that render their use/employ as support devices for wound drainage systems highly impractical and problematic.

For instance, many devices, such as, for exemplary purposes only, straps or belts, support objects of temporary need, such as cameras or binoculars. Since such temporarily-used objects are utilized for short periods and are not usually utilized after surgery, there has been little reason to ensure that their carrying devices are particularly comfortable, and further, such carrying devices do not provide the requisite support necessary for medical appliances.

Many straps worn about the neck or body often require closure methods, such as knots or buckles that, due to their bulkiness, are uncomfortable to the wearer, particularly for patients who must wear their wound drainage system for an extensive period of time.

Other devices, such as harnesses, are highly complex, or possess straps with special fixtures attached to thereto, thus making such devices difficult to clean, and more susceptible to carrying infectious organisms.

While some or all of the above-referenced patents may well be utilized for supporting wound drainage systems, they do not adequately provide to the wearer a comfortable means for supporting the wound drainage system, and are overly complicated.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a device and method for supporting wound drainage systems, wherein the device provides the patient with comfortable support for the wound drainage system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a method and apparatus for holding wound drainage systems securely in position, while at the same time providing comfort to the wearer.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred embodiment is a device and method for supporting a wound drainage system wherein the device comprises a spliced rope. More specifically, the present invention is a device and method having a rope that passes around the neck of the wearer, wherein the rope has a splice to join its ends, thereby forming the rope into a circle. The splice preferably has the same diameter as the rope, and forms an even joint that does not irritate the wearer. The structural simplicity of the rope readily permits cleaning for reuse, or may be replaced at minimal cost.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to securely retain a wound drainage device to the body of the wearer.

A further feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be utilized with a variety of different wound drainage systems or other medical appliances to provide support therefor.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be positioned in different locations as the wearer desires.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ease of manufacture and low cost of production.

Still a further feature and advantage of the present invention is that it can readily fit under a wearer's clothing.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is that it can be readily cleaned.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, the present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structures and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in use.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, shown in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the Figures, and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

Broadly stated, the present invention is a support and retention device for use in holding medical appliances, preferably wound drainage systems. The invention is preferably a soft flexible length of material, such as for exemplary purposes only, a rope, string, cord, tube or chain formed into a circle, spliced so as to complete the circle in a fashion that does not increase the diameter of the spliced area, and preferably utilized by the wearer by placing about the neck. The lower portion of the length of material is preferably gathered together to form a doubled length and held together by clasping means. A medical appliance is preferably then secured to the present invention by fastening means, such as, for exemplary purposes only, a safety pin. The medical appliance may then be positioned about the wearer's torso in a comfortable location.

Referring now to FIG. 1, apparatus 10 is preferably a length of material 20, for exemplary purposes only, of rope, string, cord, tube or chain, formed into a preferably continuous circuit, wherein length of material 20 is preferably fabricated from nylon. Although soft nylon is the preferred material, other soft materials could be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, synthetic or natural fibers, wire or tubing. Length of material 20 has ends 22 and 24 fixed together to form splice 30. Preferably, splice 30 is smooth and has substantially the same diameter 32 as the diameter 26 of length of material 20.

Length of material 20 is preferably formed into a shape such that it creates upper loop 40, bottom 60 and lower doubled section 50, wherein lower doubled section 50 preferably comprises segments 52 and 54, and wherein segments 52 and 54 are preferably located proximate and parallel one another. A clasp or a plurality of clasps 70 preferably gather together and secure segments 52 and 54 of length of material 20 to form lower doubled section 50, thereby retaining segments 52 and 54 together.

Now referring to FIG. 2, apparatus 10 is preferably utilized to secure medical devices, such as, for exemplary purposes only, a JACKSON PRATT® drain JP. Upper loop 40 is preferably placed over the head D of patient P, such that piece 90 preferably passes behind neck N of patient P. Portions 110 a and 110 b preferably proceed forward of neck N, passing in front of, and proximate to, shoulders S of patient P before continuing down torso R of patient P. As such, doubled section 50 preferably drapes down torso R of patient P.

In such a configuration, JACKSON PRATT® drain JP is preferably removably fastened to lower doubled section 50 of apparatus 10, preferably via fastening means 80, such as, for exemplary purposes only, a safety pin, wherein tube T may extend from incision I of patient P to JACKSON PRATT® drain JP. The location of fastening means 80 may be raised or lowered as patient P desires. Lower doubled section 50 is then preferably positioned according to the needs and comfort of patient P. It should be recognized that because splice 30 is smooth, apparatus 10 does not have a large bulge that would provide discomfort to patient P.

It is envisioned in an alternate embodiment of the present invention that fastening means 80 could be a hook-and-loop fastener, or hook portion thereof. In lieu of fastening means 80, it is also possible to utilize clasp 70 for removably attaching JACKSON PRATT® drain JP to the device of the present invention.

It is envisioned in an alternate embodiment of the present invention that fastening means 80 could be a snap-button, ties, clips or clamps.

It is further envisioned in an alternate embodiment of the present invention that length of material 20 could comprise a chain of linked elements, such as a chain-like rope.

It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that apparatus 10 could be formed from a soft tube, wherein the first end and second end thereof may be joined together by a dowel, and wherein fastening means 80 could comprise a clamp, such as, for exemplary purposes only, a circumferential clamp attached to lower doubled section 50.

In an additional contemplated alternative embodiment, the present invention could be secured to the clothing of patient P by a second fastening means.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention as depicted in FIG. 3, apparatus 100 is formed as length of material 120, wherein length of material 120 is doubled along the entire length of apparatus 100, such that segments 152 and 154 extend the entire length of apparatus 10. In this embodiment, apparatus 100 is worn over and around neck N, wherein ends 130 a and 130 b pass proximate shoulders S of patient P, lying on either side of torso R. In such fashion, apparatus 100 is suited to support more than one wound drainage appliance, such as, for exemplary purposes only, two or more JACKSON PRATT® drains JP. Wound drainage appliances that are utilized for wounds on rear of torso R may also thus be carried by apparatus 100.

In a further alternate embodiment, the present invention could include a second rope or strap attached thereto, wherein the second rope or strap could further secure apparatus 10 to patient P by encircling torso R of patient P.

In another alternate embodiment, length of material 20 of the present invention could be resilient, that is, formed from elastic or resilient member material to absorb impact of movement.

In a yet another alternate embodiment, fastening means 80 could be slidably adjustable.

In still another alternate embodiment, apparatus 10 could be integrally formed as a component of available wound drainage systems.

It is further envisioned that the present invention could be used to support other medical appliances, such as, for exemplary purposes only, colostomy bags, intravenous bags, or other similar structures requiring support in much the same fashion as wound drainage systems.

It is also envisioned that the present invention might be formed without a joint. In this embodiment, apparatus 10 has upper loop 40, lower doubled section 50 and bottom 60, wherein ends 22 and 24 may form bottom 60.

In another embodiment, upper loop 40 is formed by joining end 22 to length of material 20 at a point distant from end 24, such that end 24 hangs as a single segment to which fastening means 80 can be attached.

In yet another envisioned embodiment of the present invention, suitable where comfort of a smooth splice is not required, apparatus 10 is formed without a smooth splice, wherein ends 22 and 24 may be tied, or secured together in another suitable fashion.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing the steps of the method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of the method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are utilized in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims. 

1. A suspension apparatus for supporting medical appliances, said suspension apparatus comprising a length of material joined together so as to form an upper section and a lower section, wherein said upper section is dimensioned to fit over a user's head, and wherein the medical appliance is attached to said lower section.
 2. The suspension apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first end and a second end joined together into a joint thereby forming a continuous loop.
 3. The suspension apparatus of claim 2, wherein said joint comprises a splice.
 4. The suspension apparatus of claim 3, wherein said splice is smooth.
 5. The suspension apparatus of claim 1, wherein said length of material is formed from nylon.
 6. The suspension apparatus of claim 1, wherein said length of material comprises a chain of linked elements.
 7. The suspension apparatus of claim 3, wherein said splice has a diameter and said length of material has a diameter, and wherein said splice diameter is approximately equal to said length of material diameter.
 8. The suspension apparatus of claim 2, wherein said continuous loop comprises a top section and a bottom section.
 9. The suspension apparatus of claim 8, wherein said bottom section comprises at least two segments of said length of material gathered together.
 10. The suspension apparatus of claim 9, wherein said at least two segments lie proximate one another.
 11. The suspension apparatus of claim 10, wherein said at least two segments are parallel to one another.
 12. The suspension apparatus of claim 9, further comprising means for securing said at least two segments together.
 13. The suspension apparatus of claim 12, wherein said means for securing comprises at least one clasp.
 14. A method of retaining objects about a person comprising the steps of: a) obtaining at least one length of material having a first end and a second end; b) splicing said first end to said second end of said at least one length of material; c) forming said at least one length of material into an upper loop and a lower section; d) placing said at least one length of material around a person's neck; and e) attaching an object to said lower section.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said lower section comprises at least two segments of said at least one length of material.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said at least two segments lie proximate one another.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein said lower portion comprises two parallel segments.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of: c′) installing means for gathering on said lower section of said at least one length of material,
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said means for gathering comprises clasps.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein said step of attaching comprises pinning the object to said lower portion via at least one safety pin.
 21. A medical appliance comprising: at least one wound drainage system; and at least one support for said at least one wound drainage system, wherein said support comprises a length of material forming a spliced loop, wherein said spliced loop comprises a top section, a bottom section and at least one fastener, said bottom section further comprising at least two segments of said length of material, wherein said at least two segments lie proximate and parallel one another, and wherein said two segments are held together via said at least one fastener.
 22. A suspension apparatus for supporting medical appliances, said suspension apparatus comprising a length of material joined together forming a spliced loop, said spliced loop further comprising at least two segments of said length of material, wherein said at least two segments lie proximate and parallel one another, wherein said length of material has first end and second end, and wherein medical appliances are attached to said first end and said second end via at least one fastener. 